Santa's Lil' (packing) Helpers

When we were 1 day off from leaving on our trip, I started remembering the feeling I had last year when I'd go an open up our stuitcases and be faced with a crazed mix of so and so's shirts and another so- and so-'s stinky socks.  Even though I'd do my best to keep everything organized.

I'd seen stuitcase organizer type aids before, but the ones that I really had my eye on were the Eagle Creek ones. They sell them at REI and every time I went there (which is a lot in the summer, when we camp nearly every day) I'd pick up 4 and put them in my basket, then feel like it was a complete waste of money and always put them pack.  

But as this panicky, suitcase-is-overwhelming type feeling started to wash over me, I just knew I had to get them for this year. 

So I did.  THEY ARE AWESOME AND TOTALLY WORTH IT!  Of course I could have made them from scratch for much cheaper, but that would require me being domestic which I'm not. I'm wild. 

I also found these little compression bags and bought them to try out. Equally amazing. We have so much rain gear (jackets and pants for all of us makes a whole bagful) that I always felt could be compressed down to such a smaller size. Sure enough. A miracle!  Worth the money there, too. Reusable and sturdy.

I just realized this is a boring post.  But, just in case there are any compulsive packers and travelers out there like me, I think I'll still post it. Buy these little packing aids, and don't hesitate to take a loan out from your firstborn's college savings. 

Worth it!

Say hi to our assistant Chantel and her gang. ( I mean it, they are total gang members.)

(I don't mean it.)

Comments

[Eve]

I love how her pictures turned out! All those handsome boys with their gorgeous mommy. Love her.

Also, the gang member line killed me. Like a drive by (or something else gang-related).

[Amanda]

I must know about the green gang member's pouty face!

[charmaine]

LOVE this location...and the colours.....and especially the missing front teeth!!!

[tami]

these turned out so cute!! love all those cute boys - everyone looks happy! i love all the whole fam shots. way to rock an adorable family chantel!

[Taylor K]

Where did you shoot this?! Amazing. I want to go to there.

[meg duerksen]

oh the toothless smile?!!!
love that.
and i love hearing HOW you are living and that helps me know that suitcases are tough for you too.
:)
miss ya!

[niki]

You guys are so connected when it comes to people with a lot of junk. And then . . . .the awesome photos!

[ohjennymae]

we LOVE the eagle creek organizer thingies! use them all the time.

i'd also like to note that i'd like to pocket chantal's gang. those boys are too stinkin' cute!